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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNo Year r L e V A VCVY of Denton Municipal Building, Denton, Texas OrrIZ9 Or nu RAYON c, I, June 3, 1968 Mr. Tom Harpool, Chairman Charter Revision Committee P. O, Box 599 Denton, Texas Dear Mr. Harpool: Charter Revision Committee's Request to Define Intent of Council and Duties of the Charter Revision Committee It wa a and is the intent of the City Council in appointing the Charter Revision Committee that they examine the Charter for changes that would have sufficient public interest to place such changes before the public. The Council does not expect the Committee to express its personal philosophies nor to do any political campaigning for the public revisio.,k, but only to recall revisions that Justify a public hearing and a possible place on the ballot. ' f The Council will consider that the Committee has discharged ite'duties` when it presents its report to the Council. I Yours very truly, i S eke Martin, Mayor I ''Mervin Loveless, Councilman ea A$T !a, Counci n lelson, Councilmen Ale Finley, M, D„ Coun roan N j ZM/cd cc: All Charter Revision Committee Members i 1 X "WA CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE August 7, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, Wednesday, August 7, 1968, In the Community Building, Denton, Texas. Present: Chairman Thompson, Ramsey, Stout, Nunley, Roberts, Speck, E. Davis, Hamilton, B. Davis, Price, City Attorney, and Administrative Inte+n. Absent: Gamble. 1. Motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Speck, that the minutes of the meeting of July 31, 1968, be approved. Motion carried, { 2. Motion was made by Roberts, seconded by Nelson, to limit discussion of each of the ten Items by any one person to three minutes. Motion carried, 3. Items for Discussion: a, Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Nunley, to rec_ m mend ~ to the Council that the Mayor be elected by the electorate. Motion carried. b. Motion was made by Speck, seconded by Nelson, a Council shall consl~t of seven members including a mayor. Motion ca+rf ed c. Motion was made by Roberts, seconded by Thompson, to recommend that the Council members be required to be owners of real property in the City of Denton, in addition to other requirements. Motion defeated 10 to 2, with Roberts and Thompson voting °c%ye", d. Motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Nunley, to recommend th;,,ouncII be elected by a majority vote, which could require a runoff election, Motion carried. i e. Motion was made by Orr, seconded by Nunley, t 1 ina Item No, S: "The Mayor would have no vote except in case of~! So Ion ca rri ed, f. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Speck, jo recommend i that he Council be elected by the nlAnp stem havina seven ]aces at-lar ee. Places 1 4 to be elected In even numb rod Veart + 5-7 to be elected in odd ered ears, with place seven reserved for the mayor. oon carried. ~ I r .i E CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE August 7, 1968 Continued, P age 2 g. Motion was made by Nuniey, seconded by Orr, to recommend that the Public Utilities Board be appointed by the Council. Mot on carried. h. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Orr, to recommend thaithe City elections be hplei nn t he f; a da rather than the first' Tuesday, of April. Motion carried. I. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Nelson, to recommend that the C!tv Judge and Assistant .if- Iudae be required to be a llcenseedd "ma"r attorney of t o a e o 4~exas. Motion carried. j. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Roberts, to recommend that the City be prohibited from subscribing to any capital stock of any private corporation, association, or person, or make any appropriation or to donate to same, or lend its credit In any way. On roll call vote, Ramsey voted "aye", Nunley voted "aye", 1 Orr voted "no", Nelson voted "no", B, Davis voted "no", Roberts voted "aye". Speck voted "no", Hamilton voted "no% E. Davis voted "no", Stout voted "aye", Price voted "aye", and Thompson voted "aye". Motion was defeated 6to6. k. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Hamilton, t delete Section 10, 12 from the Charter, On roll call vote, Ramsey voted "aye", un a voted "a ~ y }e ,Orr voted "aye", Nelson voted aye B. Davis voted aye", I~ Roberts voted "aye", Speck voted "aye", Hamilton voted "aye", E, Davis voted aye", Stout voted "aye", Price voted "aye", and Thompson voted "aye". 'Motion carried, } 9. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Orr, that the Committee go on record in expressing appreel3tion to Jack Barton and Brooks Holt for their contributions of time in meet,tng with the Committee. Motion carried. k Meeting adjourned at 9;30 p.m. Chairman City Secretary i 1: i t r I i CHARTER REVISION COMMIT'PEE t July 31, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Coa.ni,cec, D.:cton, :.xas, 'Net;nCsday, July 31, 1968, at 7 p.m. in the Community Building. Present: Chairman Thompson, Ramsey, Gamble, Stout, Nunley, Robcrts, Speck, E. Davis, Hamilton, B. Davis, Price, City Attorney, City Secretary. Absent: Orr, Nelson, 1, Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Speck, that minutes of the I regular meeting of July 17, 1968, be approved. Motion carried. I 2. City Attorney Jack Barton introduced Mr. William Pitstick, Executive Director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, and Mr. C: arles Wells, Assistant City Attorney of Dallas, as members of a pane] to discuss ten preliminary proposed changes in the City Charter. 3. A panel discussion ensued with Mr. Pitstick and Mr. Wells: PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES PASSED BY THE C14ARTER REVISION COMMITTEE WITH PRELIMINARY VOTING Item # 1. The Mayor to be elected by all of the electorate. I Pitstick; Yes, this would be good. Wells: This would be legal. r Item # 2. The Councilmen to consist of seven (7) members plus; a mayor. Pitstick: Recommended six (6) councilmen plus a mayor voting. ` Mayor should be a policy leader of a city. 1 Item # 3. Ownership of real property to be a requirement for a Council member. ' Pitstick: This is not necessarily a wise requirement. This should have additional study, Wells: Legally, it can be done. 3 r Item #4. Councilmen and Mayor to be elected by a majority vota, which could r result in a run-off election. I Pitstick: This Is a very good proposal. i Wells: No legal difficulty. i i 4 t CHARTER REVISION CO,ININ11ITTEE July 31, 19613 ; , Item # S. The Mayor would have no vote except in case of a tie. Pitstick: Mayor should have a vote. Wells: (Agreed) Item # 6. The Councilmen to be elected by :lace with Places I through 4 by precinct, Places 5 though B at-large, with Place 8 reserved for the Mayor. Both Councilmen and the Mayor will be voted on by all the electorate. j Pitstick: Had reservations on the wisdom of electing by precincts. dd Wells: There are redistricting problems involved - Dallas redistricts k every two years. i Item # 7. The Public Utilities Board to be appointed by the Council. Pitstick; Definitely favored appointment of Board by the Council. Wells: No legal comment. Item #8. City elections to be held on Saturday rather than Tuesday. Pitstick: This is all right. No problem. Wells: Right to select day of election has been granted to cities. Item # 9. The City judge must be an attorney. Pitstick: This is desireable. Wells: This is good. i Item # 10. The City be prohibited from subscribing to the capital stock of any private corporation, association, or person, or make any appropriation j or donation to same, or lend its credit in any way. I ) Wells: This is a constitutional provision of the State of Texas, There is no need to add this to the ballot. Additional comments: Wells: I have reservations on Number 3. 1 suggest that 2, 4, 6, anz possibly 8 could be so worded that they could be included in one chango. Items 3, S, 7, 9, and 10 should be submitted individually. Pitstick: Suggested seven (7) councilmen, including mayor; 4 to be e.iectad one year and 3 the next, at-large by places but not by precincts, with Place 1 reserved for the Mayor. Item 5 would not be necessary if j CHARTER REVISION CO"11TEE July 31, 1968 s~;gestion for Item 2 was accepted. Items 70 81 9, and 10 are . i provision proposals, but might want to make for Assistant ~ Judge in Item # 9. 1 Nunley, to amend Section 10.12 q, Motion was made by Stout, seconded by motion private { to irty cannot be condemned for private use." "that urinary vote) with request that City Attorney present to read, carried unanimously, P an opinion. II Meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.m- Chairman City Secretary M l i J I LA 1 ill 1 I CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE July 17, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, Denton, Texas, Wednesday, 1 July 17, 1968, in the Community Building. Present: Acting Chairman B. Davis, Stout, Ramsey, Price, Nunley, Roberts, I Gamble and City Secretary. i Nelson, E. Davis, Speak, i k Abeent: Orr, Hamilton, Thompson, City Attorney. 1, Motion was made by Roberts, seconded by Price, that the minutes of the meeting of July 10, 19680 be approved. Motion carried. 2. Stout requested that Section 10.12 be passed over until the next meeting since the City Attorney was not present. The Committee concurred. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Nelson, that compilation + of sections that have been preliminarily changed, plus Section 10. 12, be itemized E and made available to the Committee, and to request the City Attorney to supply copies to the proposed panel, City Council members and members of the original Charter Commission. Motion carried unanimously. i Motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Nunley, to ask the Texas 4. Municipal League for the following information of cities with the city manager ' form of government: j a . Number who have elected mayor b. Number who have council-appointed mayor j c, Number where mayor votes only in case of tie I d. Number who have 4, S, 61 71 or more councilmen, excluding the mayor e, Number who elect council by ward f. Dumber who elect council by precinct g Number who elect council exclusively h. Number who elect council by at-large modified ward. Motion carried unanimously. S. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Stout, to arrange a meeting with the proposed panel on July 24, or July 31, whichever can be arranged. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Motion was made by Speck, seconded by Nunley, that at the next meeting after discussions with panel, all b rsiness be concluded. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Chairman City Secretary r i CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE July 10, 1968 I Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, Denton, Texas, Wednesday, i July 10, 1968, at 7 p.m. in the Community Building. Present: Ramsey, Stout, Price, Nunley, Roberts, Nelson, Hamilton, Speck, Davis, Gamble, City Attorney, and City Secretary, 1 Absent: E. Davis, Orr, Thompson, 1. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Roberts, that the minutes of the meeting of June 26, 1968, be approved. Motion carried. 2. Chairman B. Davis read a letter of resignation from Dr. H. W. Kamp. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Roberts, that the resignation be accepted. Motion carried. 3. Motion was made by Davis, seconded by Speck, that a consultant program on the Denton Charter Review, involving specially qualified consultants, be i immediately undertaken; further, that on all hearings involving such consultants the members of the original Denton Charter Commission be specially invited to attend, and their questions and comments welcomed; further, that on all such occations our City Council be specially invited to attend as a Body in order to observe and hear the comments of the panel; further, that the panel of consultants consist of a specialist in municipal law from a major law school of this State, an attorney from the legal department of some City, or from a law firm of this state, specially qualified in the field of municipal law, and a representative i from the Texas Municipal League in Austin, Texas. After the motion, Roberts made a motion, seconded by Ramsey, that the motion be tabled. Motion carried with Speck voting "no", Hamilton, "no", Nelson, "no", Davis, "no", and Roberts voting "yes", Nunley, "yes", Price, "yes", Stout, "yes", Gamble, "yes% Ramsey, "yes". 4. Motion was made by Roberts, seconded by Nelson, that the Committee proceed with its business. Motion carried. 5. Motion w4s made by Nunley, seconded by Stout, that Article 5 be passed without change, Motion carried unanimously. 6. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by R-)berts, that the previous motion be rescinded. Motion carried, 7. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Gamble, that Section 5.01 be passed, Motion carried unanimously. 8. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Gamble, that Section 5.02 be passed. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Price, that Section 6,02 be pass,id. Motion carried unanimously. 106 Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Stout, that in Section 6.03(b) "and" be substituted for "or". Motion carried unanimously, 11. Motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Roberts, that Section 6.04 be paused pending recommendation of the City Attorney. Motion carried unanimously. V r V • s A 'I CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE July 10, 1968 i 12. Motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Nunley, that Section 7.43 be passed. Motion carried unanimously. 13. Motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Nunley, that Section 7.23 be passed. Motion carried unanimously, 14. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Speck, that the following shall be placed under Section 7,30: That the City shall not subscribe to the capital stock of any company, corporation or person, nor shall it make a donation to any company, corporation or person, nor in any way lend its credit. Motion ` j carried unanimously. 15. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Ramsey, to y, pass Section 8.07. Motion carried unanimously, i 16.' Motion was made by Roberts, seconded by Price, to pass Section 10.3 +g (a) (1). Motion carried unanimously. 17. Stout made a motion that in Section 10.12 the following be added: No land can be condemned for private use without a vote of the people. Following this motion, Stout requested to return to the above matter at the next meeting. A motion was then made by Nunley, seconded by Roberts, that Article 10.12 be the first item of business at the next meeting. Motion carried unanimously, i ' 18. The Committee requested the City Attorney to give a legal opinion on voting by precinct, 19. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Speck, that the Chairman be authorized to sign a joint resolution of appreciation to Tom HarpooI. Motion carried unanimously, i 20. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Roberts, that the City Attorney invite another City Attorney from this area, a Texas Municipal League representative and a specialist in municipal law from a major law school in the state to the next meeting, and that all original members of the Charter Commission and present members of the City Council be Invited to observe. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Chairman City Secretary ~ Y l I r I t I f 014 CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE f June 26, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, June 26, 1968, at 7:30 ! p.m. in the Community Building, Denton, Texas, A Present: E. Davis, Hamilton, Roberts, Thompson, B. (Avis, Nelson, Gamble, Stout, Ramsey, Price, Mayor Martin, Mayor Pro Tern Marvin Loveless, City Attorney and City Secretary. Absent: Harpool, Orr, Kamp, Speck and Nunley. 1. Acting Chairman Thompson read a letter of resignation from Tom Harpool, Chairman, and expressed his regrets, I 2. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Gamble, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 12, 1968. Motion carried, i 3. Motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Nelson, that every Committee member who cannot attend a meeting notify the City Secretary prior to 4 p.m, the day of the mr eting, and that If a quorum is not present within thirty minutes after the announced starting time, a meeting will not be held, Stout made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to amend the motion to read I "A quorum will consist of a simple majority, rather than 10 members." Motion carried, 4. Motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Roberts, that candidates for the City Council must own a minimum interest of 4, 000 square feet of real property. The motion failed 8 to 2 with Roberts and Thompson voting „aye" 5, Mayor Martin suggested that August 1 be set as a target date to complete the Charter work, and the Committee agreed to attempt to complete work by this date. y 6. Chairman Thompson opened nominations for Vice-Chairman. Stout nominated f B. Davis and Roberts nominated Dr. Nelson. Following a close vote, 1 { motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Stout, to elect Davis by acclamation. Motion carried. 7. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Gamble, that Article 2, Section L 2.08(c) include appointment of the Public Utility Board. Motion carried r[ 8 to 2 with Hamilton and E, Davis voting "no". Motio.; *vas made by B. Davis, seconded by Stout, that Article 3, Section 3, 01(a) state that voting date for regular City elections be changed to the first Saturday In April. Motion carried unanimously. i r l CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE June 26, 1968 :r r 9. Motion was made by Hamilton, seconded by Nelson, that study of Article 5 be the first item of business at the next regular meeting, which was set for July 3, 1968. ' Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Chairman p City Secretary yt ~ • J P' S r 4 ~ Jt f 1 JJ~ i J. f E 1 r d~ r~ it '~F a r M i i CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE June 12, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, Benton, Texas, Wednesday, June 12, 1968, In the Community Building at 7:30 P.m, Present: Chairman Harpool, Orr, Gamble, Nunley, g, Davis, Price, Thompson, Roberts, Nelson, Stout, E. Davis, Hamilton, Speck, A City Secretary, Absent: Kamp and Ramsey, 1Motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Thompson, that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 22, 1968, be approved, Motion carried, 2• Motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Orr, f ' that following the preliminary vote on all amendments to the Charter, professional help be o for the purpose of giving advantages and disadvantages of such amendm nts fined After considerable discussion, Nelson withdrew his motion, with Orr, who seconded, agreeing. 3. Motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Orr, that Council members be elected by place by all the electorate. On roll call vote all voted "aye". Motion carried unanimously. 4• Motion was made by Speck, seconded by Nelson, that Place 8 be reserved for the Mayor who will have no vote except In case of a tie. Price voted "nay "O Roberts voted "nay", and all others voted "aye's, Motion carried with 11 ayes and 2 nays. 51 Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Nelson, that all Council members and the Mayor be elected by a majority vote. All voted "aye". Motion carried unanimously, 6. Motion was made by Nelson, seconded b S motion of Apr1124,1968, (Item 8) which approves y peck, to delete the voted "mayor, k and that the Council consist of 7 members nd mayor hers, Roberts including a nay" with all other members voting "aye". Motion carried with 12ayes and 1 a y, 7• Motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Stout, that 4 members be elected by precinct, as are thu present county commissioner precincts, by all the electorate and 4 at-large by all the electorate, Including the Mayor. On roll call vote, all voted "aye". Motion carried unanimously. I I 1 ' 1 1 I lIl I i s (`1 ~ E CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE June 12, 1968 Motion was made by Orr, seconded by Nunley, to designate places 1 through 4 by precinct, places 5 through 8 at-large, and that candidates filing for places 1 through 4 be required to be a resident of the precinct 6 months prior to the election date and that they must reside in the i precinct from which they are elected during their term of office. All voted I "aye", Motion carried unanimously, ' Meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m. Chairman 3 City Secretary I r. ~ i iE . K E I I [p jXj 1 a J , r s COMMUNITY BUILDING May 22, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee Wednesday, May 22, 1968, in the Community Building at 7:30 p.m. Present: Chairman Harpool, Stout, B. Davis, Nunley, Nelson, Ramsey, Speck, Gamble, Price, Orr, Thompson, Roberts, E. Davis, Kamp, Hamilton, City Attorney, City Secretary, Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Orr, that the minutes of the meeting of May 8, 1968, be approved. Motion carried. 2. Motion was made by : Morrisson and Richard Johnston of the North Texas tSta euUniversity faculty to research the constitutionality of stipulating that only real property owners be eligible for places on the City Council, Motion carried. r i 3. Motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Roberts, to hold the matter of eligibility of Councilmen in abeyance until the above research report is made. Motion carried. j 4. The Committee discussed the Stout motion made at the meeting of May 8 which related to Article 20 Section 2.034 of the Charter, Following discussion, a motion was made by Orr, seconded by Stout, t to table the above mentioned Stout motion and to obtain professional outside help, with the vote on the motion to be held after the professional opinion has been heard. On roll-call vote, Speck voted "no", Nelson abstained, Orr voted "yes", Stout, "no", Gamble, "no", Hamilton, "yes", E. Davis " to no , Davis, yes", Thompson "no" Robe "yes", Yes ,Nunley, ` "no", ~ its Kam , Ramsey, Price, "no", Ha ooI „ P, "yes , I was a 7-7 tie. The Stout motion as not tabled he result of the vote 5. Stout withdrew his motion of May 8, relative to Article 2 2 03, I- with the permission of Thompson, who had seconded this/ motion. rr 6• Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Stout, that it be proposed that the Mayor be elected by oil the electorate. On roll-call vote, i Speck voted "yes", Nelson, "yes", Crr, "no", Stout "yes", Gamble Yes , Hamilton, "no", E. Davis, "no", Nunley, "yesB. I vis, tye/ Thompson, "yes", Roberts, "yes", Kamp, "no", Price" yes se f Y, "yes", Harpool, "no". Motion carried, 10 to S. Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m. City Secretary Chairman ~ I i ~I , r i COMMUNITY BUILDING May 8, 1968 i Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, Wednesday, May 8, 1968, in the Community Bvilding at 7:30 p.m, Present: Chairman Harpool, Stout, B. Davis, Nelson, Ramsey, Speck, Gamble, Price, Orr, Thompson, Roberts, E. Davis, Kamp, E Hamilton, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Secretary. Absent: Nunley I. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Price, to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 24,1968. Motion carried. 2. Motion was made by Speck, seconded by Roberts, that the following be ° added to Section 2.02, (a) (1.): and shall be an owner of real property therein." The motion passed seven to five. I 3, Following a lengthy discussion of Article 2, Section 2.03, a motion was made by Stout, seconded by Thompson, that the members of the City Council ! shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire city, and they shall be ! elected for a term of two years. The person elected as Councilmen, Place 7, shall be the presiding officer who shall be known as the mayor of the City of Denton. He shall vote on all matters coming before the Council, but no power to ! Y. veto; he shall represent the City on all ceremonial occasions and be known as the official head of the city government. The places of the several councilmen shall be designated on the official ballot as Member of Council, Place No. 1, 2, 3, 4, ; St 6 and 7. The City shall be divided into six districts known as Districts A, B, Co D, E and F. (Note: Should this committee see fit to pass this change, I would suggest that Chairman Harpool appoint a committee of three from this committee to arrange the districts so as to make them as nearly equal in population as is practicable.) No person shall be eligible as a candidate for a member of Council, Place 1, unless he is at the time a bona fide resident of District A. No person shall be eligible as a candidate for a member of Council, Place 2, unless he is at that time a bona fide resident of District B. No person shall be eligible as a candidate for a member of Council, Place 3, unless he is at that time a bona fide resident of District C. No person shall be eligible as a candidate for a member of Council, Place 4, unless 11 he is at that time a bona fide resident of District D. r. I i i i i I 4 l 11 1 t COMMUNITY BUILDING y May 8, 1968 Page Two I "V e l No person shall be eligible as a candidate for a member of Council, Place 5, unless he is at that time a bona fide resident of District E. No person shall be eligible as a candidate for a member of Council, Place 6, unless he is at that time a bona fide resident of District F. A candidate for Place 7 may reside in any portion of the city. The candidate at said election for a place on said Council who shall receive a majority of all votes cast for the office for which he Is a candidate shall be elected to such office. In the event any candidate for either of such offices fails to receive a majority of all votes cast, for all the candidates for such office at such election, the Mayor of said city shall on the first day following the completion of the official count of the ballots cast in first said election, issue { a call for a second election to be held in said city on the second Tuesday following Issuance of such call, at which said second election the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for any such office In the first election, at rich no one was elected at said first election by receiving a majority of all votes cast for all candidates for such office, shall again be voted for, Theofflcial ballot to be used at said second election shall be prepared by the City Secretary and the name of 1 no person shall appear thereon unless he was a candidate for the office designated at the first said election, and the two persons receiving at said first election the first and second highest number of votes cast for candidates for such office at such first election, whall be entitled to have their names printed on said official i ballot In the order of their standing In the computations of the votes cast for such candidates at said first election. In the event of a tie between the two candidates for any office at said second election, they shall cast lets to determine who shall be elected to such office. Considerable discussion of the motion followed, but action was tat•led with discussion to be continued for as many meetings as needed. I y. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Chairman City Secretary i isk kt, 1 I F G 1 I1 COMMUNITY BUILDING April 24, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee was held Wednesday, April 24, 1968, In the Community Building at 7:30 p.m. Present: Chairman Harpo..I, Nu0sy, Stout, B. Davis, Nelson, Ramsey, Speck, Gamble, Price, Orr, Thompson, Roberts, E. Davis, Kamp, Hamilton, City Attorney, and City Secretary. 1. Motion was made by Roberts, seconded by Nunley, that tyre minutes of the regular meeting of April 10, 1968, be approved. Motion carried. 2, Chairman Harpool reported that he had contacted Mayor Martin relative to clarification of the Charter Revision Committee's function and the Chairman indicated he would get official clarification from the City Council In writing. ' I 3. Motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Roberts, to take up s 1 discussion of Charter articles In order as follows: a. Notations made in accordance with minutes; b. Mscussions; C. Set down in a written form what the Committee has approved and adopted; d. Arid, in the event of a majority--minority vote, majority and minority opinion will be rendered; e. Intent of a change to be made one meeting and then vote on the final wording the following meeting. Motion carried. 9. City Attorney Barton stated that each charter change will constitute a separate proposition on the ballot and will be voted on as such. 5. It was the general concensus of the Committee that charter items will be considered and determination will be made as to whether the item is of minor or major significance. 6. Motion was made by Stout, seconded by Hamilton, that the Committee pass Section 1.03 without :hange. Motion canted. 7. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Thompson, that the Committee pass Section 1.06. Motion carried. 8. After discussing Section 2.OI1 motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Roberts, that the City Council shall consist of seven (7) rather than five (5) members elected for a two year term. i C j Motion carried after the following proposed amendment failed. Speck motioned that an amendment to the motion be made, changing the councilman's term to three years. Nelson seconded the motion. f Motion failed. 9. Motion was made by Stout that the seven councilmen be elected at large by places one through seven--the requirements being that candidates shall have lived in precinct of the numerical place but f that all councilmen be elected at large, with place seven reserved f for the mayor, In discussing the motion, City Attorney Barton advised that the term s "At Large" is not compatible with the usual place system if any a place is confined to a geographic precinct. "At Large" implies no "r lessor subdivision of the political body. Stout withdrew his motion, 10. Next meeting set for May 8, 1968, at 7;30 p.m. I Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. ' ,rl Chairman ` City Secretary r f 3 1 I 1 1 ~ I i ,f { 1 i `R a a COMMUNITY BUILDING April 10, 1968 i Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, City of Denton, Texas, Wednesday, April 10, 1968, at 7:30 p.m, in the Community Building. Present: Chairman Harpool, Nunley, Thompson, Roberts, B. Davis, Price, Gamble, Stout, Nelson, Speck, Hamilton, E, Davis, City Secretary. Absent: Orr, Ramsey, Kamp. 1. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Nelson, that the minutes of the regular meeting of March 27, 1968, be approved. Motion carried. ' 2. City Secretary Brooks Holt read Articles 13 and 14 of the Charter R and members indicated that they desired to discuss further the following sections- l3.Ol(a) and13.04 (d). 13, Section a. Article ( E 14.08. Section 4 b, Article 14, ' 3. Motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Nelson, to Invite the City Attorney to attend all future meetings. Motion carried. j 4. The Committee agreed to begin discussions of specific Charter r , } sections the next regular meeting. 5. Discussion ;vas held relative to whether the Charter Revision Committee or the City Council would hold public hearings relative to Charter changes. Motion was made by Nunley, seconded by Hamilton, to request the Chairman to seek clarification in writing of the Charter Revision Committee's function by the next regular meeting. Chairman Harpool agreed. 6. The Chairman suggested that letters be prepared by City boards and I ` commissions containing suggestions for possible Charter changes. 1 , 7. The next regular meeting was set for April 24, 1968. Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Chairman City Secretary T r ~I M ~I a COMMUNITY BUILDING March 27, 1968 % Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, City of Denton, Texas, Wednesday, March 27, 19680 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Building, Present: Chairman Harpool, Orr, Nunley, Speck, Thompson, Roberts, B. Davis, Price, Stout, Nelson, Ramsey, Gamble, E. Davis, ti City Manager, City Secretary. 4 r 1 Absent: Kamp, Hamilton. 1. Motion was made by B. Davis, seconded by Nelson, that the 4 minutes of the regular meeting of March 13, 19680 be approved. Motion carried. 2. The City Secretary read Articles 9, 100 11 and 12 of the Charter and members indicated that they desired to discuss the following sections: a. Article 10, Sections 10, 02 (a and b), 10.03 (a.I and b. 4 ) Sections 10,12 and 20,06 (b), b, Article il, Sections 11.01 and 11.02 (d). ' C. Article 120 Section 12.03. 3. The next regular meeting is set for April 10, 1968. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m, n• chairman City Secretary 3 i a i COMMUNITY BUILDING March 13, 1968 Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, City o f Denton, Texas, ' Wednesday, March 13, 19681 at 7:30 p.m. In the Community Building. Present: Chairman Harpool, Thompson, B. Davis, Price, Roberts, Speck, Nelson, Gamble, Stout, E. Davis, Hamilton, City Secretary. K I Absent: Kamp, Ramsey, Orr. r. Motion was made by Speck, seconded by B. Davis, that the 5 r minutes of the regular meeting of February 28 be approved. Motion carried. 2. The City Secretary read Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter and members indicated they desired to discuss the following sections: a A. Article 7, Sections 7.03, 7,23 and 7,29, r B. Article 8, Sections 8.07 and 8. 09. { . 3. The next regular meeting was set for March 27, 1968. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. M1 Y I j Chairman l , City Secretar/ 1F ~ 1 I i i r t«.. 1k r a COMMUNITY BUILDING February 28, 1968 >r Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, City of Denton, Texas, Wednesday, February 28, 1968, at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Building. Present: Chairman Harpool, Thompson, B. Davis, Price, Roberts, Ramsey, , Speck, Orr, Stout, Hamilton, E. Davis, City Attorney, City Secretary, Absent: Kamp, Bryant, Gamble, Nelson. i 1. A motion was made by Davis, seconded by Roberts, that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 1968, be i approved. Motion carried. 2. The City Secretary read Article 3 through 6 of the Charter and j members indicated that they desired to discuss the following I sections: w 3 , Sections 3,010 3.04, a Article , b. Article 4, Sections 4.01„4.02, 4.130 4.14. c. Article 5, Sections 5.01, 5.02. d. Article 6, Sections 6.02, 6.03, 6.04, t _ 3. Articles 7 and 8 were designated to be read at the next regular meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 1968. 4. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. j ` Chairman City Secretary i i F } y ) t I COMMUNITY BUILDING February 14, 1968 i Regular meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, City of Denton, Texas, Wednesday, February 14, 1968, at 7:30 p.m, in the Community Building. Present: Chairman Harpool, Thompson, B. Davis, Price, Bryant, Nelson, Gamble, Speck, Stout, Orr, Hamilton, Dr. E. Davis, City Attorney, City Secretary. Absent: Pat Roberts, Gordon Ramsey, Dr. H. W. Kamp 1. The minutes to include the meeting of January 31, 1968, were approved without motion. I 2. Dr. John Thompson, Joint Universities Services Director, was introduced by the Chairman with an invitation to direct questions to him during the course of the meeting. 3. A motion was made by Stout, seconded by Thompson to waive exclusions for meetings of the committee. Motion carried. 1 4. A motion was made by Speck, seconded by Nelson that a quorum for the Committee be set at ten (10) members and that the Roberts Rules of Order be adopted. Motion carried. 5. After discussion relative to possible charter and state law conflicts, a motion was ` made by Thompson, seconded by Speck that the City Attorney report to the Committee present conflicts with state law. Motion carried, 6. The Committee agreed to set the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month as regular meeting times, with meetings to be held at the Community Building at 7:30 p.m. 7. Chairman Harpool presented the suggestions and prices of the local newspaper relative to publication of the Charter, but no formal action was taken. j 8. The Committee agreed that no new items could be presented to the Committee after 9:30 p.m., but that the item under discussion could continue after that time. 9. The Secretary began reading the present Charter and members indicated that they desired to discuss the following sections: a. Article I Sections 1. 03, 1.06 b. Article II Sections 2,01, 202, 2.031 2.050 2,06, 2.081 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 The Committee agreed to discuss Articles III and IV at the next regular meeting on February 28, 1968. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. City Secretary Chairman i 1 'I `I r ~ i MUNICIPAL BUILDING January 31, 1968 Organizational meeting of the Charter Revision Committee, City of Denton, Texas, k Wednesday, January 31, 1968, at 7:30 p.m. In the Municipal Auditorium, i Present: Mayor Zeke Martin, Charles Thompson, William Bryant, Gordon Ramsey, Pat Roberts, Dr. David Speck, Jerry Stout, Dr. John Nelson, Edell Price, Tom ;carpool, Mrs, Pat Hamilton, W. C. Orr, Dr. Ethlyn ravis, City Secretary. Absent: Bruce Davis, Dt. H. W. Kamp, Dr. Reynolds Griffith ~ E 1. Mayor Martin expressed his appreciation to the members of the Committee for their willingness to serve their City and gave a brief explanation of the function of the Committee, He pointed out that the Committee was a recommending body to the Council, who in turn would take appropriate action, i 2. Orr inquired if the Committee could obtain outside help in studying the Charter. The Mayor stated that this action would be at the discretion of the Committee. 3. With Mayor Martin presiding, a motion was made by Crr nominating Tom Harpool as chairman with a second by Thompson, Bryant nominated Thompson with a second by Harpool. By secret ballot, Harpool was declared the winner and took the chair. A motion was made by Stout, seconded by Roberts that Thompson be made vice chairman. Motion carried. 4. Chairman Harpool inquired of the Mayor It the Council was concerned with specifics of the Charter or a study of the entire Charter. Mayor Martin replied that the Committee should study the entire Charter and make such recommendations as they deemed necessary. 5. A general discussion of ways and means of devising a plan for charter changes was held, but no definite action was taken. The following points were discussed without formal action: a, Stout suggested that voters have an opportunity to vote on each individual proposition. He stated that he felt the Charter should include the election of the Mayor by the people. b. An inctease to seven Councilmen was suggested by Stout. o. Thompson suggested that each member make a study of the Charter and mark items they feel should be discussed, h 1 i i i 1 r I 3 i r Page 2 i d. Orr suggested public hearinys so that citizens, as well as department heads of the City, could make suggestions. e. Stout stated that there was some support among citizens for a place system for electing Councilmen, f. Stout stated that a line should be added to Section 10. 12 of the Charter relative to rmdemnation of property for resale for property use. That line to read, "condemnation of property for resale for private use must be accomplished by vote of the people." g. Mrs. Hamilton asked that suggestions from citizens be made in writing { to the City Secretary's Office, who in turn would present the suggestions to the Committee, 4 6, Dr. Nelson asked that Charters be obtained from cities of comparable size In the state and copies of laws regulating other cities also be obtained. i 7, The City Secretary was requested to secure prices to publish the entire present City Charter in the Denton Record Chronicle. 8. A -notion was made by Speck, seconded by Price that the first regular meeting be held cn February 14, 1168, at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p, m. Chairman City Secretary t E i (,5~r 4 I I 0 s j NOItTE[T}SKA>s STATL U\IPfiNSI1Y f DENTON, TrXA9 f x V? PA MTM rMT Or 61A r xSMj Y" e. July 3, 1968 f f f I S Hr. Brooks Holt 6 c 3. City Secretary City of Denton, Texas Dear Mr. Holt 1 In view of the recently changed responsibility of t'ne "Charter Revision Committee" and because of other Committee handicaps, there is little reason for its continued discussions concerning Charter. A city charter is the fundamental iconstitution rforngovernmentiin a t municipalityl the public interest is not served when a charter to altered by y personal whim and careless fancy. ~I The work of the Revision Committee had at least some promise of being constructive as long as the role of the group vas to recommend carefully con- sidered amendments to the Charter. However, this Comittee's new assignment of dnp selecting only those provisions on which (in the opinion of a majority of the Committee) many people in Denton would like to vote is an absurdity. The beat method of determining such matters of popular interest is to conduct a public opinion poll, in which case a "charter revision committee" is superfluous. Since far the Committee is not supposed to recommend charter revisions, there is obviously ~w } no reason for committee members to engage in any study and discussion of tho I5 merits of slggested revisions. h u It is with regret that I Inform you of my resignation from the Committee. Sincerely yours, H, W. Kamp " Chairman, Department of Government North Texas State University HWlf:cp t i N r F h END 1 OF i FILE 4